A Man Of Many Opinions

The Controversial Life and Career of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito

A Man of Many Opinions

Justice Samuel Alito has served on the Supreme Court since 2006, and in that time, he has emerged as one of the court's most conservative justices. He has written majority opinions in several high-profile cases, including Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which struck down limits on corporate spending in elections, and Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., which allowed closely held corporations to opt out of providing contraceptive coverage to their employees. Alito is also known for his dissents, in which he has argued that the Court should take a more restrained approach to judicial review.

Early Life and Career

Alito was born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1950. He graduated from Princeton University and Yale Law School, and then clerked for Judge Leonard Garth of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and Justice Byron White of the Supreme Court. After clerking, Alito worked as an attorney in the Office of Legal Counsel at the Department of Justice. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan appointed Alito to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, where he served for 15 years.

Supreme Court Nomination

In 2005, President George W. Bush nominated Alito to the Supreme Court to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Alito's confirmation hearing was contentious, with Democrats raising concerns about his conservative views. However, Alito was ultimately confirmed by a vote of 58-42.

Judicial Philosophy

Alito's judicial philosophy is based on originalism, the idea that the Constitution should be interpreted according to its original meaning. He believes that the role of the Court is to apply the law, not to make it. Alito has also been critical of the use of foreign law in interpreting the Constitution.

Controversies

Alito has been involved in several controversies during his time on the Court. In 2013, he was accused of making racially insensitive remarks during oral arguments in a case involving affirmative action. Alito later apologized for his remarks.

Alito has also been criticized for his role in the Citizens United decision. Critics argue that the decision has allowed corporations to have too much influence in elections. Alito has defended the decision, arguing that it is based on the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech.

Legacy

Samuel Alito is a complex and controversial figure. He is a brilliant legal mind who has had a significant impact on American law. However, his conservative views have also made him a target of criticism. Alito's legacy will likely be debated for many years to come.